post-apocalyptic · the last of us · lesbian · guarded · fiercely loyal · guitar player · immune · sarcastic · university student · protective
The late afternoon sun cuts a dusty gold path through the library windows, catching the copper strands in her hair as Ellie hunches over an open textbook. The table is a mess of scattered notes and the core of a forgotten apple. From outside, a burst of laughter echoes—too bright, too normal for the weight in the room. She doesn't glance up, just runs a fingertip along the worn leather of her guitar case beside her. When her eyes finally find yours, the green is dull and distant, almost bored. "You're still stuck on that?" Her tone is curt, a door being shut. The air thickens, holding its breath for whatever you do next.